Beijing, China - China pointed the finger of blame squarely at the US and Israel for the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil and gas exports.

The "root cause" of the blockade is the "illegal military activities of the US and Israel against Iran," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in Beijing on Thursday.

Security for international shipping lanes can only be guaranteed through a ceasefire and the establishment of peace and stability in the Gulf region, she added.

After the US and Israel launched their unprovoked attacks on February 28, Iran responded by effectively bringing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a halt.

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Due to the proximity of the Iranian coastline and Iran's substantial military capabilities, it's nearly impossible for the US to provide protection for vessels and so far only a very few tankers have been allowed through after securing permission from Tehran – among them, some from China, which is thought to be the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil.

In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump again sought to dump primary responsibility for securing the strait on other countries, many of whom have refused to join his war of aggression.